26. Mr. FITXPATRICKasked the Secretary of State for War whether the military authorities in Ireland, in estimating the number of tons of hay purchased from farmers for the purpose of paying the first instalment of the price for which such hay has been purchased, are in many cases making an estimate very much below what the vendor believes his rick of hay to contain; and, as this method of guessing the weight of hay before it is weighed is causing loss to farmers, will he take steps to have it remedied?
§ Mr. FORSTERThe nearest possible estimate is always made and when the final settlement is made on the actual weight, 5 per cent. per annum interest is allowed on any balance of money due. Under this system it is not understood that any loss is occasioned to the farmers.